In the quiet streets of Velda City, Missouri, a tragic event unfolded on Thursday afternoon that left a community in mourning and a family grappling with the sudden loss of 63-year-old Robert Lee Prince Jr. The sound of gunfire pierced the air around 3:15 p.m. outside a residence on Lexington Avenue, a place where Prince was last known to call home. By the time police arrived, the scene was one of devastation—Prince had been fatally shot, his life cut short in an incident that has since sent shockwaves through this small St. Louis County municipality. Within hours, the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis was summoned to unravel the circumstances of this violent act, and by Friday afternoon, their swift investigation led to the arrest and charging of 31-year-old Terrell T. Mays, a man now facing serious allegations tied to Prince’s death.
The charges leveled against Mays are grave: second-degree murder, armed criminal action, and tampering with physical evidence. These accusations paint a picture of a deliberate and chaotic encounter, one that authorities say erupted from an altercation between the two men. While the precise details of their dispute remain under wraps, investigators have confirmed that Mays and Prince were not strangers to one another. Their prior acquaintance adds a layer of complexity to the case, suggesting that this was not a random act of violence but rather a confrontation rooted in a personal history yet to be fully disclosed. Mays, a St. Louis resident, fled the scene shortly after the shooting, but his escape was short-lived. The Major Case Squad’s diligent work ensured he was in custody within hours, a testament to the urgency and precision with which law enforcement responded.
The investigation, still active as of Saturday, April 5, 2025, continues to piece together the moments leading up to Prince’s death. Authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the altercation, leaving many questions unanswered for the public. What sparked the deadly exchange? Was it a long-simmering tension that finally boiled over, or an impulsive clash that spiraled out of control? For now, these details are held close as the case progresses, with officials indicating that the inquiry is far from over. They have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests or charges, hinting that the full scope of the incident may involve more than what has been revealed thus far.
Robert Lee Prince Jr. was more than a name in a news report—he was a man known to his neighbors in the 7100 block of Lexington Avenue, a figure in a community where such violence is not an everyday occurrence. Velda City, with its modest population and tight-knit feel, is not often thrust into the spotlight for such grim reasons. The loss of Prince has undoubtedly left a void, and as the legal process unfolds, residents are left to reflect on the fragility of peace in their neighborhood. Mays, meanwhile, remains in custody, his fate now in the hands of the judicial system. The charges against him carry significant weight—second-degree murder alone suggests intent or reckless disregard for human life, while armed criminal action points to the use of a firearm, and tampering with evidence implies an attempt to obscure the truth.
For the Major Case Squad, this case is a priority, and their rapid response underscores the seriousness with which they are treating it. The collaboration between Velda City police and this specialized unit has already yielded results, but the road ahead will likely involve meticulous evidence analysis, witness interviews, and perhaps further revelations about the relationship between Mays and Prince. As the investigation presses on, the community watches closely, seeking closure and justice for a man whose life ended too soon on a quiet Thursday afternoon. The story of Robert Lee Prince Jr.’s death is not just a tale of crime—it’s a reminder of the human cost behind every headline, a call for answers in a town now marked by tragedy.